Diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chad date back to 1973, with Chad among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the UAE. Over more than five decades, relations have developed across political, diplomatic, economic, investment, development, cultural and humanitarian fields.
Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
Relations between the UAE and Chad are marked by continued engagement between the leaderships and officials of both countries, as well as consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest. The first session of the UAE–Chad Joint Committee, held in Abu Dhabi in September 2018, was an important milestone in developing the institutional framework of bilateral relations. It witnessed the signing of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment, and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations.
Continued high-level visits and meetings reflect the development of bilateral relations. On 1 July 2026, H.E. Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, paid a working visit to the UAE and met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, development and renewable energy fields, as well as negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.
Economic and Investment Cooperation
Economic and investment cooperation has grown significantly in recent years. Bilateral non-oil trade reached USD 2.4 billion in the first half of 2025, an increase of 166% compared with the same period in 2024 and exceeding the approximately USD 2 billion recorded for the whole of 2024.
In November 2025, Abu Dhabi hosted the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum, which witnessed the international launch of Chad’s National Development Plan, “Chad Connection 2030”. The forum resulted in agreements and memoranda of understanding in strategic sectors including energy, agriculture, mining, industry, education and tourism.
This cooperation is supported by the existing legal and economic framework, including agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investment, in addition to the trade agreement and other agreements and memoranda of understanding supporting trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Development and Energy Cooperation
Development cooperation is an important area of bilateral relations. The UAE has supported development programmes and projects in Chad across several sectors. A key milestone was the allocation of USD 150 million through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in support of Chad’s National Development Plan 2017–2021.
Cooperation has also expanded in recent years in renewable energy and infrastructure, including solar energy projects, in support of development efforts and improved access to essential services in Chad.
Health and Humanitarian Cooperation
Health and humanitarian cooperation forms an important part of bilateral relations. The UAE has implemented a number of health and humanitarian initiatives and projects in Chad and supported efforts to address the humanitarian needs of refugees and host communities.
In April 2026, the foundation stone was laid for the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital and a dialysis centre in N’Djamena, as part of cooperation in the health sector and efforts to strengthen medical services for the population.
Cultural and Community Cooperation
UAE–Chad cooperation also extends to cultural and community fields and is supported by bilateral frameworks and agreements, including the Agreement on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation between the UAE and Chad. Relations also include cultural and community initiatives and projects that strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples.
Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
Relations between the UAE and Chad are marked by continued engagement between the leaderships and officials of both countries, as well as consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest. The first session of the UAE–Chad Joint Committee, held in Abu Dhabi in September 2018, was an important milestone in developing the institutional framework of bilateral relations. It witnessed the signing of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment, and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations.
Continued high-level visits and meetings reflect the development of bilateral relations. On 1 July 2026, H.E. Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, paid a working visit to the UAE and met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, development and renewable energy fields, as well as negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.
Economic and Investment Cooperation
Economic and investment cooperation has grown significantly in recent years. Bilateral non-oil trade reached USD 2.4 billion in the first half of 2025, an increase of 166% compared with the same period in 2024 and exceeding the approximately USD 2 billion recorded for the whole of 2024.
In November 2025, Abu Dhabi hosted the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum, which witnessed the international launch of Chad’s National Development Plan, “Chad Connection 2030”. The forum resulted in agreements and memoranda of understanding in strategic sectors including energy, agriculture, mining, industry, education and tourism.
This cooperation is supported by the existing legal and economic framework, including agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investment, in addition to the trade agreement and other agreements and memoranda of understanding supporting trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Development and Energy Cooperation
Development cooperation is an important area of bilateral relations. The UAE has supported development programmes and projects in Chad across several sectors. A key milestone was the allocation of USD 150 million through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in support of Chad’s National Development Plan 2017–2021.
Cooperation has also expanded in recent years in renewable energy and infrastructure, including solar energy projects, in support of development efforts and improved access to essential services in Chad.
Health and Humanitarian Cooperation
Health and humanitarian cooperation forms an important part of bilateral relations. The UAE has implemented a number of health and humanitarian initiatives and projects in Chad and supported efforts to address the humanitarian needs of refugees and host communities.
In April 2026, the foundation stone was laid for the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital and a dialysis centre in N’Djamena, as part of cooperation in the health sector and efforts to strengthen medical services for the population.
Cultural and Community Cooperation
UAE–Chad cooperation also extends to cultural and community fields and is supported by bilateral frameworks and agreements, including the Agreement on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation between the UAE and Chad. Relations also include cultural and community initiatives and projects that strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples.
